Obituaries

Arline Ruth Rochkind, 82

January 09, 2021

Arline Ruth Rochkind (nee Kirsch), age 82, of Masonic Village Elizabethtown, and formerly of Harrisburg, passed peacefully on Saturday, January 9, 2021, following a brief illness. Arline was born on June 12, 1938 in Brooklyn, New York to the late Ceil and Isidore (Pete) Kirsch. In addition to her parents, Arline is preceded in death by her brother Larry Kirsch and her daughter Leslie Chapman.

Arline’s survivors include her husband of 62 years, Michael Rochkind; her son David and his wife, Sherry Hausman, of Wenonah, New Jersey; her two grandchildren: Michelle Rochkind of Philadelphia and Alan Rochkind and his wife Michele of Cicero, New York; and her beloved feline companions: TR and Dublin.

Arline was raised by her loving parents in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Harrisburg with her husband and son in 1963. She began her career with the State of Pennsylvania in 1969. A lifelong learner, she enrolled in Harrisburg Area Community College while working full-time and obtained an associate’s degree in general studies and a paralegal certificate at age 46. She retired after 32 years service and returned to school, this time to Penn State Harrisburg, receiving a bachelor’s degree in humanities in 2004. She completed her formal education in 2012, earning a Master’s of American Studies from Penn State.

Arline enjoyed gardening, playing Jeopardy, dining with her friends – and more than anything else – traveling with her husband Michael. From their honeymoon at Niagara Falls in 1958 to their most recent trips to Europe and England – and a very special trip to China for their 50th anniversary; by boat, bus, plane and train – this was their shared joy.

She was proud to call Masonic Village home and called her friends there family. Arline was attentive and engaged, loved a good joke and fiercely defended ideas and people she believed in.

All are welcome to join Arline’s family at a graveside service at 1PM on January 12, 2021, at Kesher Israel Cemetery, 3534 Oliver Drive in Harrisburg, PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in celebration of Arline’s life can be made to the charity of your choice,

Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page

Condolences to the Family

January 15, 2021

Dear Michael and family, John and I were so sad to hear of Arlilnes passing….She was a gem!! We certainly will miss seeing her and enjoying listening to the fun you two had on your many wonderful travels.
You all have our deepest sympathy.
Joan Lederer/ John Ambrozates

January 12, 2021

Dear Brother Michael and Family, Our sincere and deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved wife, mother and other members of your family. Your longtime Masonic lodge brother and friend.
Alvin and Iris Goodman

January 12, 2021

Of the new friends that I’ve made at Masonic Village, Arline has been the most significant. Warm, Witty, Caring. A joy to see in the gym, wonderful comments in book club, Politically aware and insightful, a poet whose writings were tender, funny, thoughtful in the newspaper each quarter. I will miss her so very much. My most sincere condolences to all of Arline’s friends and family. Such a big loss.
Judy Gragg Scharf

January 12, 2021

My family was so saddened to learn of Arline’s passing. Michael took my French and North African history courses at Elizabethtown College, before I moved to a new position at Georgia College last summer, and when my family hosted themed meals at our house, Arline always accompanied him. Arline and Michael were consistently “the life of the party”–so warm, so genuinely interested in the lives of our children and of the college students, so witty. I look back on those occasions with fond memories. Arline touched the lives of those around her in so many ways. I will miss her warm smile and her sunny disposition.
Brian Newsome

January 11, 2021

I once worked with Arline. Her energy was almost overwhelming. Her curiosity and fearlessness combined with her focus and vision still resonates.I remember when she lost her daughter and grappled with that tremendous loss using her boundless faith and grace. When she went strict kosher and got all new cooking and dining wares, I purchased a minifood processor that reminded me of her every time I used it. She reminds me of a firefly:a one-of-a-kind female who could fly. My condolances to her loved and loving family.
Cindy Campbell

January 11, 2021

We were so sory to hear of Arline’s passing. Please accept our sincerest condolences.
She will be missed.
Howard & Edith Kane

Services: Tuesday, January 12, 2021; 1:00 PM; Kesher Israel Cemetery; 3534 Oliver Drive; Harrisburg, PA
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